“If an officer smells pot on you and you’re acting weird, they will take you to jail,” he said. “You will face a jury. If you’re going to take drugs or drink (and drive), you’re going to face an uphill battle.”

That’s because members of the community don’t want drivers behind the wheel that could potentially cause life-threatening injuries or property damage.

“People don’t want other people on the road if there’s a chance of them causing an accident or hurting someone,” Blubaugh said. “Alcohol and drugs cause the same symptoms: blurred vision, distraction and impaired judgment. One in nine people in fatal crashes tested positive for marijuana.

Page 2 of 2 - “If you’re going to drive, don’t drink, do drugs or take too many prescriptions. If you don’t want your family to be in danger because of boneheads on the road, don’t be a bonehead.”

Kris Brommenschenkel would describe himself as one of these “boneheads.” The former addict destroyed several new vehicles in drug and alcohol-related crashes. He’s spent over 10 years in prison because of these offenses.

In his most recent accident, Brommenschenkel nearly killed two pedestrians who were in a parking lot near the crash site.

“I totaled a brand-new mini-van because I was impaired,” he said. “(Drug use) catches up with you. If you think you’re better than the system, the system will bite you in the ass.”

Following his arrests, Brommenschenkel continued down the same path. He kept the same circle of friends and they continued to abuse marijuana and prescription medicines, before getting behind the wheel.

“You think you’re driving OK, but hell no — you’re not,” he said. “I thought I was under control and could handle it. I’ve realized I can’t.”

In the last few years, Brommenschenkel has changed his surroundings and lifestyle.

“I’ve been given an opportunity to turn my life around,” he said. “I don’t want my five-year-old daughter to grow up without a father, because I’m dead or in prison. I’m trying to live a productive life and help people.

“Half my friends are dead and the other half are in prison. Everyone one of the meth busts (in Chippewa County) lately were my friends.

“I’m glad I got an opportunity to talk to you and hopefully change your life. It’s not the road to take.”